editors’ translation

this Wednesday [1789]

I really owe much to the earwig that brought me the pleasure of receiving news from
you, my dear little friend. Without it, I truly believe that I would have been without
any for a long time. I am far from having the same indifference towards you, and I
can assure you that when I went into Panthemont last Saturday I was sincerely sorry to learn that you had left. Let me know if your
departure is very near and if I may flatter myself with the pleasure of seeing you
before. It will always be a keen one, to renew the assurances of my fond and sincere friendship,

G. D’haraucourt.

I have been out for a few days, but I believe that I will soon go back to the abbey
in the woods. The address of Royez, that you ask me for, is rue du Harlay, near the
palace. Farewell once again. Kiss my dear Polly tenderly for me. If she still has a little friendship for her little mamma, she will
sometimes remind you of it.